Get ready to be blessed

Published: Friday, November 16, 2012 at 11:14 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, November 16, 2012 at 11:14 a.m.

Do you need a new start? Have you made some mistakes in life that you are regretting now? Some wrong turns? Zacchaeus, in Luke 19, needed a fresh start and another chance.

He heard about a man named Jesus who was passing through his city. Zacchaeus was desperate and determined and sought out to see who Jesus was. Luke 19:4 says, “So he ran ahead and climbed up into a tree to see him, for he was going to pass that way.”

Jesus noticed Zacchaeus sitting up in that tree and called him to make haste and come down, in Luke 19:5, saying, “I must stay at your house.” There was something different about that day for Zacchaeus. His whole world was getting ready to change. That’s how it is when Jesus enters into your life.

All those present that day watched how Jesus went into Zacchaeus’ house and blessed him and changed his life. They watched how the Lord pulled him out of a life of shame and regret. They couldn’t grasp the forgiveness that was extended to this man’s whole household that day.

Luke 19:7 says, “But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, ‘He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.’ ” Jesus came to seek and save a world which was lost and dying. You and I are the reason that he gave his life. Depression, grief and disappointments don’t have to own you anymore.

When you belong to Jesus all things become new — the old is passed away, according to 2 Corinthians 5:17. The Lord tells his people in Jeremiah 31:4, “Again I will rebuild you, and you shall be rebuilt.” So rejoice, new beginnings are in the making.

This Thanksgiving you may want to take communion with your family and friends as you say Grace at the dinner table. This will be a powerful and spiritual experience that will unite and seal God’s blessings for you and yours.

Jesus, sitting around the table with his disciples, lifted up the bread and the wine giving thanks; he instructed his people to do the same as they come together. It says in 1 Corinthians 11:24-25, “And when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘Take, eat; this is my body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of me.’”

Communion represents forgiveness. It is meant to remind us that Jesus died on the cross for our every sin — past, present and future. It’s amazing that some churches deny their members communion, requiring them to get some things right with God first. Taking communion is experiencing salvation by faith. This includes forgiveness, healing, wholeness, peace and prosperity. Don’t let anyone deny you what Jesus Christ died to give you.

Jesus wants to stay at your house. He wants you to cast your cares upon him — every one of them. Keep your heart free from worry — live your life in peace. Arise from the depression and prostration which circumstances have kept you; rise to a new life, according to Isaiah 60:1-5.

Invite Jesus Christ in your heart and your home today.

Pamela Boudreaux is an author, columnist and minister with a master’s in theology. She has served the past 15 years as founder and senior

pastor of Breakthrough

Believers Church in Houma. She can be reached at

223-0770, 860-6500 or pamela.boudreaux@att.net. Opinions expressed in this column

<p>Do you need a new start? Have you made some mistakes in life that you are regretting now? Some wrong turns? Zacchaeus, in Luke 19, needed a fresh start and another chance. </p><p>He heard about a man named Jesus who was passing through his city. Zacchaeus was desperate and determined and sought out to see who Jesus was. Luke 19:4 says, “So he ran ahead and climbed up into a tree to see him, for he was going to pass that way.”</p><p>Jesus noticed Zacchaeus sitting up in that tree and called him to make haste and come down, in Luke 19:5, saying, “I must stay at your house.” There was something different about that day for Zacchaeus. His whole world was getting ready to change. That's how it is when Jesus enters into your life. </p><p>All those present that day watched how Jesus went into Zacchaeus' house and blessed him and changed his life. They watched how the Lord pulled him out of a life of shame and regret. They couldn't grasp the forgiveness that was extended to this man's whole household that day.</p><p>Luke 19:7 says, “But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, 'He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.' ” Jesus came to seek and save a world which was lost and dying. You and I are the reason that he gave his life. Depression, grief and disappointments don't have to own you anymore. </p><p>When you belong to Jesus all things become new — the old is passed away, according to 2 Corinthians 5:17. The Lord tells his people in Jeremiah 31:4, “Again I will rebuild you, and you shall be rebuilt.” So rejoice, new beginnings are in the making. </p><p>This Thanksgiving you may want to take communion with your family and friends as you say Grace at the dinner table. This will be a powerful and spiritual experience that will unite and seal God's blessings for you and yours. </p><p>Jesus, sitting around the table with his disciples, lifted up the bread and the wine giving thanks; he instructed his people to do the same as they come together. It says in 1 Corinthians 11:24-25, “And when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, 'Take, eat; this is my body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of me.'”</p><p>Communion represents forgiveness. It is meant to remind us that Jesus died on the cross for our every sin — past, present and future. It's amazing that some churches deny their members communion, requiring them to get some things right with God first. Taking communion is experiencing salvation by faith. This includes forgiveness, healing, wholeness, peace and prosperity. Don't let anyone deny you what Jesus Christ died to give you. </p><p>Jesus wants to stay at your house. He wants you to cast your cares upon him — every one of them. Keep your heart free from worry — live your life in peace. Arise from the depression and prostration which circumstances have kept you; rise to a new life, according to Isaiah 60:1-5.</p><p>Invite Jesus Christ in your heart and your home today. </p><p>Pamela Boudreaux is an author, columnist and minister with a master's in theology. She has served the past 15 years as founder and senior </p><p>pastor of Breakthrough </p><p>Believers Church in Houma. She can be reached at </p><p>223-0770, 860-6500 or pamela.boudreaux@att.net. Opinions expressed in this column </p><p>represent the views of the author, not necessarily this newspaper.</p>